Is this False Widow spider?
Discussion
did you catch that in the south west of England (your profile says you're from there!) While it looks like a false widow, I believe that some of the dangerous species may not have the red or white markings...I would get it checked if I were you.
ETA, that spider has a grey/white marking, and while I believe that these should normally be on the abdomin, I would take EXTREME care. Isolate it so it cannot run away and get it checked.
ETA, that spider has a grey/white marking, and while I believe that these should normally be on the abdomin, I would take EXTREME care. Isolate it so it cannot run away and get it checked.
Edited by extraT on Saturday 10th May 16:28
DoubleSix said:
Doing a spring clean, found under the front door mat. 
I'm in Bristol. I know the photos are poor but for reference it was a reasonable size, about that of a 20p piece and rather fiesty.
Bit perturbing with a 1 year old toddling around!
I found one sprinting across our kitchen floor last Summer. I sensed instantly in a primeval way it looked unusual. Scooped him up in a wine glass and he made a proper racket with his legs trying to scramble up the side of the curved slippy glass. Did a bit of Web research for a few hours, and once I'd got past the Daily Wail stories, it became clear UK false widows are generally timid toward humans and in reality less dangerous than a bumblebee. (They are called "false" for a reason). Tipped him outside in the garage and watched him scurry off on his merry way. No dramas.I'm in Bristol. I know the photos are poor but for reference it was a reasonable size, about that of a 20p piece and rather fiesty.
Bit perturbing with a 1 year old toddling around!
Edited by DoubleSix on Saturday 10th May 17:05
lamboman100 said:
I found one sprinting across our kitchen floor last Summer. I sensed instantly in a primeval way it looked unusual. Scooped him up in a wine glass and he made a proper racket with his legs trying to scramble up the side of the curved slippy glass. Did a bit of Web research for a few hours, and once I'd got past the Daily Wail stories, it became clear UK false widows are generally timid toward humans and in reality less dangerous than a bumblebee. (They are called "false" for a reason). Tipped him outside in the garage and watched him scurry off on his merry way. No dramas.
As above, typically not dangerous to human. I'm allergic to wasp/bee stings so ended up in hospital last year when I got nibbled by one. Had a small bump on my arm for a couple of days and after day 5 or 6, my arm started to swell up quite badly, started feeling sick etc. Ended up at A&E, given antibiotics and all was ok!lamboman100 said:
I found one sprinting across our kitchen floor last Summer. I sensed instantly in a primeval way it looked unusual. Scooped him up in a wine glass and he made a proper racket with his legs trying to scramble up the side of the curved slippy glass. Did a bit of Web research for a few hours, and once I'd got past the Daily Wail stories, it became clear UK false widows are generally timid toward humans and in reality less dangerous than a bumblebee. (They are called "false" for a reason). Tipped him outside in the garage and watched him scurry off on his merry way. No dramas.
Quite. Saying their in the southwest only is nonsense too. They're all over the place, and almost entirely harmless.RedLeicester said:
lamboman100 said:
I found one sprinting across our kitchen floor last Summer. I sensed instantly in a primeval way it looked unusual. Scooped him up in a wine glass and he made a proper racket with his legs trying to scramble up the side of the curved slippy glass. Did a bit of Web research for a few hours, and once I'd got past the Daily Wail stories, it became clear UK false widows are generally timid toward humans and in reality less dangerous than a bumblebee. (They are called "false" for a reason). Tipped him outside in the garage and watched him scurry off on his merry way. No dramas.
Quite. Saying their in the southwest only is nonsense too. They're all over the place, and almost entirely harmless.
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